A foreign trade attorney ensures that a company's imports and exports comply with Mexican customs regulation and trade agreements: tariff classification, IMMEX and PROSEC programs, USMCA rules of origin, and defense before the customs authority. At KNR Abogados we turn compliance into a competitive advantage for cross-border operations.
Foreign trade: regulation that defines margins
The Customs Law, the Foreign Trade Law, and the treaties — starting with the USMCA — determine how much it costs and how fast goods cross the border. Correct tariff classification, use of preferences under rules of origin, and promotion programs (IMMEX, PROSEC, Rule Eight) directly impact each operation’s margin. Errors, in turn, are paid for with precautionary seizures, fines, and suspension from importer registries.
Customs defense
We support foreign trade audits, customs administrative proceedings (PAMA), and disputes over valuation, origin, and classification, before the SAT and ANAM as well as the TFJA. In a nearshoring environment with increasingly strict origin verifications, preventive documentation — origin files, customs operation manuals — is the best insurance policy.
This content is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Every case requires individual analysis.
IMMEX and promotion programs
Obtaining and maintaining IMMEX, PROSEC, and VAT/IEPS certifications, and defense against suspensions or cancellations.
Rules of origin and USMCA
Origin analysis and certification, origin verifications by foreign authorities, and use of tariff preferences.
Tariff classification and valuation
Classification criteria, consultations with the authority, and defense in customs valuation disputes.
Audits and PAMA
Handling of foreign trade audits and defense in customs administrative proceedings, including merchandise seizures.
Non-tariff regulations
Mexican Official Standards (NOMs), prior permits, quotas, and notices before the competent agencies to import and export without friction.
Resolvemos tus dudas
What is the IMMEX program and who benefits from it?
It allows temporarily importing inputs and machinery without paying the general import tax (and, with certification, deferring VAT) to produce goods for export. It suits manufacturers and maquiladoras with an export focus; it demands strict inventory controls and return deadlines, whose breach generates significant tax assessments.
What happens if customs seizes my merchandise?
A PAMA begins: the authority presumes an irregularity (classification, origin, documentation) and you have a short deadline to rebut it with evidence. Acting within the deadline with a complete file is critical; otherwise the merchandise can become federal property, with fines and registry suspensions.
How do I take advantage of USMCA preferences?
The goods must qualify as originating under the treaty's rules of origin and be covered by a valid origin certification. We recommend building an origin file per product: regional value content spreadsheets, bills of materials, and supplier declarations, ready for a verification.
Anticipate. Protect. Scale.
Free legal assessment
Answer a short questionnaire (under 2 minutes) and our team will send you an assessment of your compliance and a strategic proposal for your operations in Mexico.
